About this experience
Want to experience more of the real Los Angeles? On this tour you'll start the day in Hollywood and learn all about how and why the movie business first moved to this small town in the Wild West. There's a lot of history hidden in plain site in this most famous of neighborhoods and you'll learn about it all, as well as see the many iconic buildings that dot the storied Boulevard.
Next you'll take the subway (ticket included) to downtown. This is where the city began in 1781 and it's the largest historic downtown of any major city in America. It has a lot of beautiful architecture, but it's definitely not a museum - it's the most dynamic and interesting part of the city (with the best restaurants and bars too).
* Tour starts 10am daily
* Travel on Los Angeles Metro included in ticket price
* There’s a big range of food options and all types of diet can be accommodated (vegan, gluten-free etc)
At a glance
- Duration: 6 hr
Plan your experience
Set aside 6 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What is included
- We'll show you how to use the LA Metro - the easiest and cheapest mode of transport here.
- Travel on Los Angeles Metro is included in ticket price.
- Tour Guide.
Not included
- Gratuities not included. Please allow 15-20% if you enjoy tour.
- Lunch/Snacks are not included.
Itinerary and highlights
On the Hollywood leg of the tour we go back in time to when the name first appeared on maps in the 1880’s, then we’ll tell you how and why the start-up movie industry first moved to this small farming town in the early twentieth century. By walking the streets of Hollywood you’ll get the chance to discover the many hidden historic sites in the area (such as the oldest house in Hollywood, where Charlie Chaplin’s kids went to school), as well offering you the best up close and personal experiences of such icons as the Walk of Fame, the Capitol Records Building, the Egyptian Theater, the Dolby Theater (the home of the Oscars) and the TCL Chinese Theater.
Learn the history of this icon of Los Angeles, as you get some of the best views of it from the Walk of Fame itself.
Visit this famous, historic theatre and its forecourt of the stars.
We take the Red Metro Line to the heart of the city where the tour emerges in Grand Park, an oasis in the middle of the Civic Center. From there we stop at the Music Center (where we check out the famous Walt Disney Concert Hall) and the Broad Museum.
Visit the crowning jewel of DTLA, this performing arts complex.
An icon of modern design, that you'll see up close.
See this new and very popular museum in DTLA.
Take this hundred plus year old funicular from the top of Bunker Hill to Grand Central Market. Ticket price is $1.
What better place for lunch than this venerable institution(its over a hundred years old)? If you're a foodie you'll be in paradise and even if you're not you'll love the choice and affordability.
Every week hip new restaurants, bars, Apple stores, creative offices and apartment blocks are opening in the area. Many people don’t realize it’s also the best-preserved historic downtown of any major city in America (with some of the best architecture in the world, including many beautiful examples of the Beaux Arts, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, modern and post-modern styles).
Experience the beautiful, historic lobby, a perfect specimen of art nouveau design (weekdays only).
Meeting and pickup information
- The guide will be will be checking-in guests from 15 minutes before the tour begins at the meeting point. The Pantages Theatre is right opposite Hollywood and Vine Metro Station. We CANNOT wait for latecomers, there are other guests.
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- The Real Los Angeles Tours
Meeting points and locations
Accessibility and practical details
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Aim to get to the meeting point 10-15 minutes early. If you’re late you may miss the tour.
- This tour is not recommended for children under 12 y.o.
- By making a booking for this tour you agree to be bound by The Real Los Angeles Tours terms of service.
- Have lunch at Grand Central Market, one of the top food destinations in the US.
- Please check dates/times carefully BEFORE making a booking.
- This is a walking tour and we move at a reasonable pace. If you have mobility issues please book a private tour via our website.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Questions about this experience
How long is this experience?
Which guide languages are listed?
What ticket format is listed?
What ticket age bands are listed?
What accessibility information is provided?
This is a walking tour and we move at a reasonable pace. If you have mobility issues please book a private tour via our website.
What is the cancellation policy?
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